meet our team

Claire Brown

La Maternelle was established by my husband and myself in 2000. I now oversee all our facilities working alongside my son Will, my son Peter and his wife Vicki.  La Maternelle is French for ‘homely place’ and that it what we, as a family, aim to provide for all children in our care thus creating a ‘family’ environment and ethos where children can relax, have fun, thrive and be nurtured by a team of highly professional staff.

It is therefore our priority to recruit dedicated staff who will share this goal ensuring that with us they build positive caring relationships with the children and their families. We, in turn, respect all staff in each of the roles they hold and strive to support them in their own professional development by offering them access to first class training both ‘in house’ and by external agencies.  This both enhances their practice within the setting and offers them an opportunity to flourish in a high quality setting.

Following our safeguarding policy we have strict and thorough procedures for recruiting and vetting all staff thus allowing us to be confident in our selection and judgement. We value the crucial role they hold in our day to day organisation of La Maternelle. 

I now ,with pride introduce you to our senior members of staff. 

Vicki Brown

Vicki holds two roles at La Maternelle. Firstly, she co ordinates the Early Years practice within the setting to ensure that we continue to provide high quality care & education for the children we care for. Her second role is as one of the managers of the setting.  She is a qualified Early Years teacher & also holds Early Years Professional Status.  She is currently working towards her Masters (MA) in Education. Vicki also works for Manchester Metropolitan University as an assessor for the Early Years Professional (EYP) course. This involves visiting other nurseries to mentor, support & assess EYPs within the Cheshire & Manchester area.  She is qualified in paediatric first aid and food hygiene.  She opened the setting in Wistaston in September 2004 with her husband (Peter), mother in law (Claire) & brother in law (Will). Prior to this she worked as a reception class teacher in Crewe. 
Vicki is committed to providing high quality care for children and families.  She wants children to enjoy their time at La Maternelle and feel ‘at home’ here. She also wants parents to feel 100% comfortable leaving their child in our care knowing that they are safe & enjoy spending time there with the other children & staff. She is passionate about continuing to maintain this high standard &  continuing to develop La Maternelle.
She has a 2 year old son who occupies most of her time outside of nursery! He also attends the nursery. She enjoys spending time with him & taking him to different places.  She has a keen interest in the ‘Early Years’ & also likes to keep up to date with research into Early Year’s practice by reading & researching information.  In her leisure time she enjoys socialising with her friends, having a glass of wine & eating nice food!

Peter Brown

Peter has worked at La Maternelle for 10 years since it was established in February 2000. His role is to supervise the out of school club at Wistaston. He is also responsible for the day to day running of La Maternelle nursery and pre-school admissions in Wistaston.
Peter has a degree in Sports and Environmental Science, an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development and is qualified in paediatric first aid and food hygiene.
His main aim when working with children is to ensure they have a fun and exciting time whilst attending the setting. This is done by creating a happy working environment where all children are allowed to express themselves and flourish whilst in our care.  On a more personal note Peter enjoys spending time with his 2 year old son as well as playing football, golf, rugby and snowboarding.

Will Brown

Will has worked at La Maternelle since it was established in February 2000.  He has supervised the out of school care club at Stapeley since 2004.  During the day Will is based at the Wistaston office where he is one of the managers of the nursery setting. He qualified as a supervisor in 2003 gaining his NVQ 3.  He is also qualified in paediatric first aid, food hygiene and has received an accreditation in Safeguarding.
Will is passionate about the children having fun and feeling comfortable in the setting by offering a warm, homely environment full of resources for the children to enjoy.
In his spare time he enjoys all sports including rugby, football and golf and also likes to keep fit by going to the gym.  He has played rugby union at Crewe & Nantwich since the age of eight and in the 2008-2009 season was First XV captain. 

Sian Pownall

Sian has worked at La Maternelle since 2007.  She is a Lead Senior Practitioner & Assistant Manager of the nursery setting. Sian has a degree in psychology.  She also has an NVQ level 3 in child care learning and development and has completed the play worker transitional units.She is qualified in paediatric first aid and food hygiene. Sian is currently the Early Language lead practitioner in the nursery. She has followed the Cheshire East programme “Every Child A Talker” [ECAT].As part of this programme she has attended various training courses including ‘letters and sounds’, interaction and communication friendly training.  As the Early Language Lead Practitioner Sian then feeds this information back to the staff team and supports them in implementing good communication and language practices throughout the setting.
In her spare time Sian enjoys cooking and learning new recipes to create for her friends and family. Sian also frequently spends weekends visiting family in Wales and enjoying the Welsh countryside.

Kelly Riley

Kelly is Lead Senior Practitioner within the sunshine room at the nursery.  She joined the staff team in Setember 2010 and is responsible for the development of this room.  Kelly holds a CACHE Level 3 diploma in childcare and education and is also trained in paediatric first aid and food hygiene.  Kelly enjoys her job and loves to make the day fun for the children.  Kelly enjoys swimming and spending time with her family and friends.

Becky Ellsum

Becky is a Lead Senior Practitioner. She has worked for La Maternelle since May 2010 when the Sunshine Room opened and has over 8 years previous experience working with young children. Becky has an NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Leisure Management, A Level qualifications and Level 3 Diploma in Children & Young Peoples Workforce. Becky is trained in paediatric first aid, food hygiene food safety and health and safety. She has also attended Makaton training. In her spare time Becky enjoys spending time with her family and friends and often visits the theatre as she has an interest in dance.

Jane Greenwood

Jane has worked at the La Maternelle Wistaston Nursery since 2007. She is a Lead Senior Practitioner and part of the S.E.N.C.O. team. She holds an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Early Years Education. She is qualified in paediatric first aid and food hygiene.  In her spare time she enjoys taking her dog Tilley for long walks and going for days out shopping with her friends!  Jane also has a 19 year old son Ben who is a 2nd year apprentice at Bentley motor cars.

Clare Donovan

Clare has worked for La Maternelle since 2002.  She is the supervisor of the out of school care & holiday club at Pear Tree Primary School.  She also oversees the club at Stapeley Broad Lane & Wybunbury Delves.  She has recently joined the staff team in the star room in the nursery at Wistaston.  Clare holds an NVQ Level 3 in childcare .  She has also completed the playworker course.  She is qualified in Paediatric first aid and food hygiene.  In her spare time she enjoys socialising with her friends.

Jennifer Dickerson

Jennifer has worked at La Maternelle since 2008. She is a Senior Practitoner in the Star Room. Jenny has an NVQ level 3 in childcare and education and is qualified in paediatric first aid and food hygiene.  In her free time she enjoys drawing and baking. She also enjoys spending lots of time with her family including her new husband Dean.  She also enjoys visiting her brother’s horse and helping out at the yard or getting together as a family for a party!

Kirsty Davies

Kirsty has worked at La Maternelle since May 2011.  She is a practitioner in the Sunshine room in our nursery in Wistaston.  She is currently working towards a Level 3 diploma for the Children & Young Peoples Workforce and has an NVQ level 2 in Children’s Care, Learning & Development.  She is trained in paedeatric first aid.  Kirsty enjoys her job because she loves to see the children develop and grow.

In her spare time she likes to go shopping, visit her sister, niece and nephew in North Wales and take her dog for walks.

Lucy Aylott

Lucy has worked at La Maternelle since May 2011.  At present she works in the Rainbow room in our nursery in Wistaston.  She is currently working towards a Level 3 diploma for the Children & Young Peoples Workforce to enhance her current level 3 qualification - a BA Hons degree in Childhood, Youth and Education Studies.  Lucy enjoys seeing the children develop and learn new experiences.  In her spare time she enjoys socialising with her friends and family and going on holidays!  She also enjoys taking her dog for walks around the park.

Emma Crimes

Emma has worked at La Maternelle since January 2011.  She works in the Sunshine room in our nursery in Wistaston.  She is currently working towards a Level 3 diploma for Children & Young Peoples Workforce. She also holds a BA (hons) degree in Business Management.

Jodie Baker

Jodie Baker has worked at La Maternelle since 2008. She has recently been promoted to Trainee Senior Practitioner. Jodie is NVQ Level 2 & 3 qualified in Childcare, Learning & Development. She has a certificate in paediatric first aid and enjoys obtaining new skills within the setting. Jodie works within the Rainbow room and finds everyday an opportunity to develop and grow, not only for the children, but for herself.  Jodie loves her job and everything it entails. During her spare time she enjoys dancing, socialising and going on adventures. This helps within her role, as you can usually find her outdoors, exploring the wildlife with the children!

Emilee Warr

Emilee has worked for La Maternelle since 2007, initially as a student whilst studying for her A Levels and now as a permanent member of staff. She works as a trainee supervisor in the out of school care club at Wybunbury Delves & Stapeley Broad Lane Primary.  She is also a nursery practitioner at the nursery setting.  She holds an NVQ Level 3 in childcare and is qualified in Food Hygiene and First Aid.
Emilee has worked for La Maternelle for three years,  In her spare time she is a leader at a local youth club and helps to run a girlguiding rainbows group.  She also enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

Sally Wishart

Sally has worked for La Maternelle since 2008. She supervises at La Maternelle Wybunbury after school club and is a practitioner in the sunshine room at the nursery in Wistaston.  Sally has an NVQ level 2 and 3 in children’s care learning and development.  She has a young daughter who attends the rainbow room at La Maternelle Wistaston.  In her spare time Sally enjoys taking her daughter to the park and swimming.  She also spends time visiting her family in Manchester and going out with her friends.

Jenna Hunter

Jenna has worked at La Maternelle since 2009. Jenna has a BSC degree in Retail Buying. She has a certificate in paediatric first aid. She is a nursery practitioner and is working towards her Level 3 Diploma in Children & Young Peoples Workforce. Jenna grew up in a childminder’s setting and was a nanny during summer university holidays. Jenna loves her job and seeing the children learn and develop and most importantly having fun! She enjoys spending time with her fiancee Tim and visiting their family in Yorkshire and Bath. Jenna enjoys visiting different places in the world and planning future holidays, entertaining friends at the weekend and gardening. She also has a cat called Bronson who she absolutely adores!

Jane Worswick

Jane has worked for La Maternelle since 2006.  She is currently working towards her NVQ Level 3 in Childcare Learning & Development.  She is qualified in paediatric first aid and food hygiene. 
Jane lives locally with her daughter Lydia aged 13 years.  She has two dogs, Tilly & Fifi!

Melanie Davies

Mel has worked at La Maternelle since January 2008.  She carries out the domestic role within the nursery setting. Mel holds an NVQ level 2 in children’s care learning and development.  She also has a young daughter who attends the ouf of school care club.  In her spare time Mel enjoys spending time with her daughters and new baby grandson.

Louise Cooke

Louise has worked at La Maternelle since 2006. She has gained an NVQ level 3 in childcare and a certificate in first aid & food hygiene.
Louise has been married for two years and in her spare time enjoys keeping in touch with her penfriend in Germany of twenty six years (since school!).  She also enjoys meeting up with friends and loves the snow, going skiing and visiting lots of different countries, learning new languages.

Kadie Welch

Kadie has worked for La Maternelle since 2007. She is a Senior Practitioner in the nursery setting.  She has an NVQ level 2 & 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development. She is qualified in paediatric first aid and food hygiene.  Kadie has a young son who attends the nursery.  In her spare time she likes to spend time with him and going on family days out!

Sally Wishart

Sally has worked at La Maternelle since 2008. She supervises at La Maternelle Wybunbury after school club and is a practitioner in the sunshine room at the nursery in Wistaston.  Sally has an NVQ level 2 and 3 in children’s care learning and development.  She has a young daughter who attends the rainbow room at La Maternelle Wistaston.  In her spare time Sally enjoys taking her daughter to the park and swimming.  She also spends time visiting her family in Manchester and going out with her friends.

Emilee Warr

Emilee has worked for La Maternelle since 2007, initially as a student whilst studying for her A Levels and now as a permanent member of staff. She works as a trainee supervisor in the out of school care club at Wybunbury Delves & Stapeley Broad Lane Primary.  She is also a nursery practitioner at the nursery setting.  She holds an NVQ Level 3 in childcare and is qualified in Food Hygiene and First Aid.
Emilee has worked for La Maternelle for three years,  In her spare time she is a leader at a local youth club and helps to run a girlguiding rainbows group.  She also enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

Will Brown

Will has worked at La Maternelle since it was established in February 2000.  He has supervised the out of school care club at Stapeley since 2004.  During the day Will is based at the Wistaston office where he is one of the managers of the nursery setting. He qualified as a supervisor in 2003 gaining his NVQ 3.  He is also qualified in paediatric first aid, food hygiene and has received an accreditation in Safeguarding.
Will is passionate about the children having fun and feeling comfortable in the setting by offering a warm, homely environment full of resources for the children to enjoy.
In his spare time he enjoys all sports including rugby, football and golf and also likes to keep fit by going to the gym.  He has played rugby union at Crewe & Nantwich since the age of eight and in the 2008-2009 season was First XV captain. 

Angela Lester

Angela has worked for La Maternelle since 2004.  She has an NVQ Level 2 in Early Years Education.  She is qualified in paediatric first aid and food hygiene.  Angela is married to David and they will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary in November 2011.  Angela also has two children, Charlotte who is 22 and Jeremy who is 20 who have both worked for La Maternelle but are now studying at University. 
Angela enjoys cycling and has almost completed Lands End to John o Grotes.  She also enjoys going on holiday with her family, hill walking and gardening.

Clare Donovan

Clare has worked for La Maternelle since 2002.  She is the supervisor of the out of school care & holiday club at Pear Tree Primary School.  She also oversees the club at Stapeley Broad Lane & Wybunbury Delves.  She has recently joined the staff team in the star room in the nursery at Wistaston.  Clare holds an NVQ Level 3 in childcare .  She has also completed the playworker course.  She is qualified in Paediatric first aid and food hygiene.  In her spare time she enjoys socialising with her friends.

Emma Cassata

Emma has worked at La Maternelle since 2010 as a playworker at Pear Tree Club.  She is currently working towards her NVQ level 3 in childcare.  She is qualified in food hygiene and first aid.  In her spare time she enjoys socialising with her friends.